Sam Cassell will be back to play for the Nets. Someday. Honest. But until then, an 80 percent Eric Murdock is a blessing for the Nets.

“Having a point guard, any point guard, even though he’s injured, is better than having no point guard,” reasoned Keith Van Horn. “Isn’t it?”

Yep. Murdock was injured, pulling his left groin in the season’s first game, about 10 game minutes before Cassell went down with a sprained right ankle that has kept him on the sidelines since, including last night’s Meadowlands encounter with Cassell’s former Rocket team. There was hope Cassell would be back – what better opponent to return against?

But John Calipari, who insisted he will not put Cassell on the injured list, said again that his starting point guard can run full speed but “can’t cut” on the right ankle.

“And that’s his game,” said Calipari, who did not sound as enthusiastic as Cassell.

But while he continues to recuperate, the Nets have Murdock to plug in at the point, although they still use a starting backcourt of two guards, Kendall Gill and Kerry Kittles.

“It’s still sore and it’s going to be sore for a while,” said Murdock who gave a tremendous effort Tuesday in a 97-82 victory over the Pistons. Murdock came off the bench, dumped in 13 points and took five steals and passed for four assists.

“That game helped me mentally,” said Murdock, indicating that he is less hesitant to move and cut with the injury. “And I was really pleased with my play defensively. For me to be successful, I really have to be active on the defensive end, getting steals, taking charges. It was a little rough at first but it kept getting better and better.”

Murdock returned against Miami Monday and was more or less feeling his way through that game. Then against Detroit, he was a real factor. Now, no one was running around saying, “Sam Who?” but Murdock was aggressive and assertive and it was no coincidence that the Net offense scored more point than in any game since opening night.

“Having Eric means a whole lot to us,” said Gill. “You know what having Eric really means? It means we don’t have to have a two-guard bringing up the ball.”

The Nets’ offense bogged down after opening night. Before ringing up 97 points on Tuesday, the Nets had failed to crack 82 points in four straight games. And then they vowed as a team to “have fun.” Which they did. and it was a heckuva lot easier to do with a genuine point guard to lead them. *Bill Cosby, a minority owner of the team, was on hand last night. As he walked into the locker room, he turned to Kittles and asked, “any injuries I should know about?” … Jayson Williams on Cosby: “He’s the second funniest man in the building.” … Williams, with Rudy Tomjanovich in the opposite locker room, gave an impassioned pitch on why he would be honored to play on the Olympic team. “I would just love to represent my country,” Williams said. Rudy T, named U.S. coach for the 2000 Games, laughed and stressed that he was not a member of the selection committee that picks the team. “Make sure you tell him or he’ll get 30 rebounds,” Tomjanovich said … Scott Burrell showed his Bulls championship ring around in the locker room before the game. “I had it appraised at $25,000,” he said. “But that was in my hometown, Hampden (Conn.). I don’t know what it’s worth in the big city.” … Williams to Keith Van Horn, who usually leads the team in field goal attempts: “Hey, Keith. Please give me the rock just twice tonight. I want to make the Olympic team.” *Williams gasped when Billy Hunter, the Players Association executive director, walked into the locker room. “Somebody get me my [bulletproof] vest.” Williams, of course, drew the ire of the union for speaking out for a vote. Said Hunter after the two embraced, “No problem, Jayson. You’re my poster child that players still get $100 million contracts.” … Nets play at Cleveland tomorrow, at Indiana Sunday … Lucious Harris remained out with a back problem … Today is roster cut-down day. Teams must have 12 players – with up to three on injured list – by 6 p.m. Calipari said no decision has been made on Earl Boykins or Damon Jones – it was no guarantee that either would be kept … In April, Nets will officially retire Buck Williams’ No. 52.